What Are You Buying?

Even though we hear/read the r-word a jillion times a day, we also read stuff like this:
Mulberry just reported that their recent holiday and January sales beat last year's by 30%, without even having to put their bags on sale til after December.
And we're pretty sure you know all about the $2,165 ripped, "motocross" Balmain jeans that Net-a-Porter can't even keep in stock, regardless of their stitched-in expiration date.
But, how is this happening right now? Or better yet, who is buying this incredibly expensive stuff?
We understand shopping through down times - sample sales and vintage stores are doing quite well right now - but full-price items that cost more than most NYC rent?
So we're wondering - is it you guys? Please, tell us what's getting you to drop your thousands (if you still have them). We really do want to know.
--CARSON GRIFFITH